Virgil Leon Rice

Virgil Leon Rice was born on July 12th, 1942 in La Junta, Colorado. At age 15, Virgil left home to take his first job. He loved and trusted the Lord and never looked back. He also never quit working.

Virgil married Donna Ferris, they had two boys, Donald and Stephan. With it being very hard to provide for his family in Colorado, they packed up everything knowing it was a one way trip and moved to Fairbanks, Alaska in 1966.

Virgil took the first job he found and over time became an automobile mechanic. He gradually moved into heavy equipment, becoming a Journeyman diesel mechanic specializing in transmissions. Virgil worked at many businesses, NC Machinery and the State of Alaska to mention a few.

He traveled across the state working in many villages and made many friends. Many years later, one of the village Chiefs, an elder, thanked Virgil for all of his hard work and said that Virgil was a legend in the villages. Virgil also did some work for missionaries.

His hard work provided schooling and college for his boys. After his boys became adults, Virgil did leave Alaska for a short time to help care for his mother. During that time he became divorced and then moved back to Alaska.

He remarried to Terry Willson, becoming a stepfather to three more children. Keeping his strong, Godly values, he worked very hard to support his family.

As he became older it was noticed he could not keep up the fast pace, yet he kept working till the doctor told him he had to quit. It was very hard for him, work was all he knew.

He loved to help people and loved to watch the sunset. Gospel music was the only music he chose to listen to.

In February of 2023, his heart condition was discovered. After all the tests were completed, the doctor simply said his heart was worn out. His heart was pumping at less than 15%. Even after hearing that, and refusing a pacemaker, he tried to do more than his heart allowed.

His last month to the day was spent in bed. At first, it was hard keeping him there. Then he realized how weak he had become. On Sunday June 04, 2023 Virgil went peacefully home to be with the Lord at 80 years old.

Preceding Virgil was his parents, Archie Paum “Pum” Rice and Bernadine Blanch (Reed) Rice. All his siblings, Pum, Arthur, Roger, Larry, and Lind Rice. As well as his ex-wife Donna.

Surviving Virgil are his wife, Terry (Willson) Rice, sons Donald and Stephan Rice, stepsons Richard and Raymond, stepdaughter Patricia, and step grandchildren Iacc, Isaiah, and Michelle.

We look forward to seeing him in Heaven.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, June 26, 2023 from 5:30 – 8:00PM at the Wilderness Pavilion at Pioneer Park near the back entrance. Please bring food for a potluck. Please no alcohol.

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